Review by: Matt Kelland on June 01, 2012 :
Acne affects almost everyone – 85% of people will suffer from it at some point in their lives, whether in their teenage years or later. This simple, easy to read book does four things really well. First, it explains what acne is and why you get it. Second, it dispels some of the common myths about acne. Third, it outlines the common treatments available, whether they’re home remedies, OTC medicines, or require medical assistance.

Fourth, and perhaps most important, it gives you a useful list of simple do’s and don’ts. I didn’t know, for example, that shaving in two directions can break the hairs and cause a spot, or that leaving the shaving gel on for a few minutes before shaving reduces the chances of folliculitis. Even changing your toothpaste can reduce the severity of acne.

Well recommended.
(reviewed the day of purchase)

Review by: Danielle Christine on May 21, 2012 :
I bought this book for my teenage daughter. It is a very clearly written guide on acne and its treatment. It not only describes different methods on how to treat pimples but also goes over some common myths and tips, including info about your skin and what causes acne. I was pleased with the book and would recommend it to anyone who suffers from acne.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: MP Publishing on May 21, 2012 :
This guide is for anyone – teen or adult – who suffers from acne and needs help to get clear skin. It really helped me understand what causes acne and what makes it worse. You will also get a very thorough descriptions on different treatment methods from soaps and creams to antibiotics and other medications such as accutane. Very easy to read guide written by a dermatologist that goes to the point and does not contain any nonsense.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: Jeniffer on March 30, 2012 : (no rating)
I had 2 kids with acne. This book helped me a lot to understand the causes of the problem. The tips in the book are clear and super usefull. Uptodate, Clear, concise and absolutely non comercial. I finally know what to do. Highly recommended to anyone with Acne or Acne in the family.

Acne after adolescence:
Statistics show that up to 25% will suffer from acne breakouts after the age of 20. This type is different than the regular adolescent acne :
People (mostly women) older than 20 that continue have acne breakouts. This type is more common in females and may continue to the age of 30, 40 and evan 45. included in this type are women, that have acne flare ups during pregnancy. This type of acne is usually worse during the first trimester of pregnancy when levels of progesterone are highest.
Folliculitis : Man in this age may have pimples/bumps in their beard area called folliculitis . Folliculitis is caused by an infection around the hair follicle – usually by a bacteria called Staph Aureus.

Acne due to hormonal imbalance:
Rare cases of acne can be induced by high level of hormones with testosterone like activity. This includes polycystic ovary syndrome , internal diseases/tumor that causes the body to ver produces, or external ingestion of hormones such as the steroids used by professional body builders.

Before 20

After 20

Comedones

Many

Less

Area

Nose, Forehead, Chin, Cheeks

Around the mouth, lower cheeks, under the jaws

Scarring

May be severe

Usually less or no scarring

Treatment of post adolescent acne

First step would be to rule out hormonal imbalance, This can be done easily through a couple of blood tests.
Once the blood tests are normal – attention should be placed on cosmetics used. Everything used should be Oil free and non comedogenic.
Medications should be chosen according to the severity, starting with simple non drying topical antibiotics , combined with low percentage of benzyl peroxide, or in milder cases azelaic acid creams. In more severe cases a course of oral antibiotics may be very helpful followed by a followup prevention plan (The right cleanser and mild acne acne topical will be needed long term.) .
In the most severe cases that experience multiple relapses after antibiotics, low dose accutane combined with simultaneous blue light phototherapy will be the ideal choice.

Birth control pills for acne ?
Birth control pills are not a treatment for acne. The estrogens in the pill suppress the levels of testosterone in the circulation , decreasing its effect on the sebaceous gland and by that decreasing sebaceous gland enlargement and sebum secretion. These should be taken only if the women is sexually active. The pills may calm acne breakouts but a rapid relapse is expected when they are stopped. The best pills for acne will be the one that have minimal androgenic (testosterone like) effect . Examples will be Seasonale, Desogen, levlen. Two types of birth control pills have useful non hormonal ingredients that can further reduce the hormonal trigger of acne. Jasmin contains a non hormonal compund similar to spironolactone t and Diane (approved in Europe) a chemical called cyproterone both directely suppress androgen activity.
For the right contraceptive pill consult your Gynecologist…